National Republican., 1887-12-15
MAIL DISTRIBUTORS,
Nature OF the Memorial to Be Sub.
nnitted to Congress.


nitted to Congress.
II was announced that the postmasters'
convention would reconvene yesterday
morning at $3.50, but In order not to spoil
the reputation Of the mail service by pune
tuality, IL was nearly 10 O'Clock before the
distinguished mall handlers got down TO
business.
The committee on bills, who had
in preparation memorial for con-
sideration and presentation to Congress,
reported In substance . recommend
ing ownership by the government Of the
lock boxes, safes, and other appliances;
also that the government bear the expense
Of rent, fuel, and light OF third class Of
fces, and that they be allowed clerical
force to be paid by the government. For
fourth class Offices the committee recon.
mended that the expense OF rent,
light, and fuel be allowed by the govern
ment on the following basis: On salary OF
$50 per year aud not to exceed $50, $25;
on a salary exceeding $50 per year and not
to exceed $500, $50; Oh sai.ry exceeding
$500 per year and not to exceed $500, S75;
on salary exceeding $500 per year and not
to exceed $3.50, 800; on salary exceeding
$3.50 year and not to exceed $1,000, $3.50.
TWAS also recommended that where mails
are distributed for other offices clerk hire
be allowed on the following basis: One
mail daily, except Sunday, $50 per sunum;
two mails daily, except Sunday, 800 per
$3.50 per annum; four maiis daily, or more,
except Sunday, $3.50 per annum.
On motion the report was received aud
the convention adjourned to O'clock
The members then formed In line and
marched In body to the PostofIlce Depart
ment, where they were received by First
Assistant Postmaster General Stevenson,
after which they were presented to the
Postmaster General, who allowed no speech.
making, but was greatly pleased with the
appearance OF his hardest worked subordl.
mates. The postmastets next proceeded to
the white house, where Presi lent Cleveland
received them, after which they h!ed over
to the Treasury Department building
and arranged themselves on the steps,
while two enterprIsing photographers
almost came to blows over discussion as
to who should photograph them. The
postmasters finally settled the dispute by
allowing the rivals to each take one view.
Much dissatisfaction was expressed by
the postmasters at Mre. Cleveland not betug
present at the reception, as 1t was known
that she had graced the reception to the
members OF the alliance.
The following figures handed to the RE.
PUBLICAN reporter by Mr.. p. l.. Cruiser,
| postmaster at Sesbright, N. j., shows how
remunerative third or fourth-class post
office is under the present system:
Amount OF business done during past year,
$2,6l0.67. Paid for rent, clerical hire, fuel,
stationery, lights, interest on s40O (price of
putting in lock boxes, the rent Of which
tion received (by commissions), $7l4 6S.
Which shows the postmaster to be out OF
pocket per year $129. 32 for the privilege of
being allowed to- do the work, furnish
large bond, and be bored to death.
The convention reassembled at 4 o'clock.
The names Of the delegates and alternates
| to attend the next convention were an
| general on the memorial reported by the
| committee on bill, the fourth class post
masters claiming their interests had been
| slighted.
II was finally agreed to take up the report
and as applying to third class postmasters,
section one was amended 80 that instead Of
| praying the government to own the boxes,
It was asked that the rent Of same bd given
the postmasters.
Section Q, that the government pay
| for the rent, light, aud fuel, was adopted.
Apostmaster from Pennsylvania thought
| 1t was asking too much Of the government
| to pay office rent and then give the box
rents besides, but was informed by the
chair that II he had any compunctions re-
gardng It he could add It to the surplus In
the treasury.
Section s, allowing to third-class officers
an amount sufficient to pay for clerical
| force, was unanimously adopted.
The needs OF the fourth-class offices, as
recommended in the report, were next con.
sidered and adopted.
A committee Of five was appointed by
the chair to embody the resolutions adopted
into a memorial to be presented at the
meeting to-day, when o committee will be
appointed to iny the matter before Con-
gress. The convention then adjourned to
$50 to day,